A Program of MarineParents.com

Gold Star Legacy

Honor Our Fallen Heroes & Support Their Families

WHAT DOES GOLD STAR MEAN?

The term "Gold Star" describes a family member who has lost a loved one in military service.

The Gold Star first made an appearance during World War I after being placed over a service flag's blue star when a service member was killed in combat. The Gold Star signified the family's pride in the loved one's sacrifice rather than the mourning of their personal loss.

Many Gold Star families wear the Gold Star lapel pin to signify their pride. The lapel pin displays a Gold Star with a purple background surrounded by a gold wreath and first made its appearance during World War I.

OUR PROGRAM'S PURPOSE

We honor the legacy of fallen heroes, support the missions and needs of their families, and raise awareness for Gold Star Family Day.

Nothing can adequately prepare a family for the news that a loved one has died while serving our country, just as nothing can erase the pain caused by that loss, but we strive to ease this burden in any way possible.

Whether it means reaching out to a family and providing them with information and a sympathetic ear, putting them in touch with other Gold Star families, or helping establish an event, memorial, or foundation in their loved one's memory, we do whatever we can in their time of need.

Each year, Gold Star Legacy holds a Luminary Initiative to raise awareness of, and support for, Gold Star Family Day, on the last Sunday in September. On this day, organizations and individuals around the country come together to light star-patterned luminaries at sundown to honor and recognize those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation.

NOT A GOLD STAR FAMILY MEMBER?

You are the key to this program's success.

The best way to support a Gold Star family is to remember and honor their fallen hero.

Gold Star families submit their Fallen Hero to the Gold Star Legacy tribute page. These tributes are a great way to share the lives and heroic stories of these brave men and women.

Gold Star Legacy also helps Gold Star families establish and raise support for memorials, scholarships, foundations, and events in memory of their loved one. Visiting, attending, or supporting any of these causes gives you another way to honor their loved one's memory and support Gold Star families everywhere.

ARE YOU A GOLD STAR FAMILY MEMBER?

You have come to the right place.

We have Gold Star family members who have lost their Marine either during combat or due to accident or illness during active duty or reserve service in the Marine Corps. Our Gold Star families come from around the country and embrace each other with compassion and understanding knowing that each others' emotions will include denial, disbelief, confusion, shock, sadness, yearning, anger, humiliation, despair and guilt. By sharing with each other, the journey you begin after the death of your beloved Marine is somehow just a little easier when you're walking with friends who understand exactly how you feel today, how you felt yesterday, and what you may feel like tomorrow.

ABOUT US

MarineParents.com, Inc., was founded nationally on January 21, 2003 to provide support, information, and services to Marines and their family members, and create opportunities for the public to support our troops through the organization's outreach programs. In over 14 years of service, Marine Parents has made a huge impact in support of Marines, military personnel, and their family members.

For those with a loved one in military service, you are not alone. You've found Marine Parents, a Place to Connect & Share®. We've been supporting Marines and their family members across the nation for more than 14 years.

Whether you need our support or you'd like to support others, you'll find what you're looking for with our outreach programs. Together, we support the troops and their family members. Hover over an icon to learn more; click an icon to go to the website.

is owned and operated by MarineParents.com. Purchase your Marine Corps clothing, recruit graduation items, and gifts where 100% of the proceeds support the outreach programs of the organization, an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) public charity. The EGA Shop is an Official Marine Corps Trademark Licensee.

MarineParents.com, Inc., an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) public charity eligible to receive tax deductible donations, was founded on January 21, 2003 to provide support, information, and services to Marines and their family members, and create opportunities for the public to support our troops through the organization's outreach programs.